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Transgenic Pact Signed by Growers
Summary posted by Meridian on 4/20/2007
Source: El Universal
Author: Kelly Arthur Garrett
Mexico's National Confederation of Corn Producers (CNPAMM), which is affiliated with the umbrella agriculture association National Campensino Confederation (CNC), has signed an agreement with Monsanto Company to move towards the introduction of genetically modified (GM) maize in Mexico. Under the first phase of the agreed plan, GM seeds will be tested for safety and productivity beginning this year. Next year in a second phase, selected GM maize seeds will be planted but not sold commercially, and if all goes well, the seeds could be grown commercially as early as 2009. The agreement includes a plan to protect Mexico's indigenous maize varieties. Nevertheless, the article says the deal is certain to be opposed by environmental groups, which have resisted GM maize partly on the grounds that it could threaten native maize. CNC President Cruz López comments that Mexican maize farmers have suffered from being "frozen out" of GM maize technology. "Our position is that biotechnology must be introduced, while respecting Mexican corn," he says. López calls opponents "confused" and "dogmatic." "We´re satisfied," López says, "that seed companies such as Monsanto are cooperating with the protection of Mexico´s native corn." Mexico has passed a Biosecurity and Genetically Improved Organism law, which regulates the introduction of GM crops. The article can be viewed online at the link below.
The original article may still be available at www.eluniversal.com.mx/miami/24289.html
As tagged by Meridian Institute:
Topics:
Biosafety, Genetic resources, Product development, Regulations, policies, guidelines, and international treaties, Risks and benefits: environmental
Stakeholders:
Industry
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